Faced a refusal to grant a humanitarian residence permit? Do you know which EU countries still provide protection to Ukrainians? In this article, Visit Ukraine lawyers share practical advice and analyze a real-life case on how to act if you have been denied a residence permit. Find out about all available options right now

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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Migration issues occupy a special place in the daily practice of Visit Ukraine lawyers. Each case is unique, and often standard solutions do not work. Our team of lawyers does not just advise - they find individual solutions for each situation, no matter how complicated it may seem, and do not limit themselves to general advice, but offer a step-by-step action plan taking into account all the circumstances of your case. How does it work in practice? Let's analyze it on the example of a real appeal to our specialists.

Legal advice on a humanitarian residence permit - what you get when you contact Visit Ukraine specialists

Today we will consider a real case that demonstrates that even after a refusal in one EU country, there are alternative ways to obtain protection. This example will show how professional advice can open up new opportunities and help you find the best solution.

Query: On February 10, 2022, I left Ukraine for Lithuania. At that time, I had a residence permit for work, which I received in November 2021. In February 2024, I resigned from a Lithuanian company and in connection with this, the Lithuanian Migration Service revoked my work residence permit on October 29, 2024. I applied for a humanitarian residence permit due to the inability to return to my country of permanent residence and was denied. The reason given was that Lithuania no longer issues a humanitarian residence permit to those who left Ukraine before 02/24/2022 and had some kind of residence permit. I can't find a job in Lithuania quickly, so I can't renew my working residence permit. I am 57 years old. I have a valid Ukrainian passport. My wife and two minor sons have humanitarian protection in Lithuania. I am registered in the city of. Horlivka, Donetsk region. The territory is temporarily occupied. In Ukraine, he had the status of a temporarily displaced person. My question: Which EU country currently issues a humanitarian residence permit to Ukrainian citizens due to the impossibility of returning to the country of permanent residence if a person has a situation like mine.

Where and how can I get a humanitarian residence permit in the EU after being refused?

So, what should you do if you were denied a humanitarian residence permit because you had a residence permit? This is the answer our client received:

Your situation is complicated, but the possibility of obtaining a humanitarian residence permit (residence permit) in another EU country still exists. The main challenges are related to the fact that Lithuania no longer grants a humanitarian residence permit to Ukrainian citizens who left before the outbreak of a full-scale war. Let's consider your options in other EU countries.

1. Which EU countries currently issue humanitarian residence permits to Ukrainian citizens?

📌 Germany

Germany remains one of the most open countries for Ukrainians. In particular:

● If you can prove that returning to Ukraine poses a threat to your safety due to military operations or occupation (Horlivka is a temporarily occupied territory), you have a chance to obtain humanitarian status.

● It is also possible to obtain a residence permit for family reasons if your wife and children are in Lithuania under humanitarian protection (the right to family reunification).

📌 Poland

For Ukrainians who have a valid foreign passport and cannot return home, Poland can offer:

● Temporary protection (available even for those who left before February 24, 2022, if the situation in their home region is critical).

● The decision is made on an individual basis, depending on the evidence of the impossibility of return.

📌 Spain

Spain continues to provide temporary protection and humanitarian residence permits to Ukrainians who can prove that their safety in Ukraine is under threat. This is especially true for people from regions that are under occupation or are war zones.

📌 France

France may also consider your application for a humanitarian residence permit:

● You can apply to the French authorities for temporary protection on the grounds that Horlivka is an occupied territory.

● It will be especially useful to apply to organizations that support refugees (e.g., OFII - Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration).

2. What documents are required to apply for a humanitarian residence permit?

1. A valid Ukrainian passport.

2. Evidence of the impossibility of returning to Ukraine:

   ● Documents proving your residence in Horlivka.

   ● Any confirmation of your status as an internally displaced person.

   ● Evidence of the occupation of Horlivka or military actions in your region (news, official reports).

3. Documents of kinship:

   ● Confirmation of family composition (marriage certificates, birth certificates of children).

4. Proof of connection with the country to which you are applying:

   ● Possible contacts with family members already residing there (in case of Germany or another country with a developed family reunification program).

5. Proof of financial situation:

   ● If you have any sources of income, pension or other means of support, this can be an additional argument.

3. Legal requirements and procedures for applying for a humanitarian residence permit

Application procedure:

1. Entering the chosen country:

   ● You must be physically present in the country where you plan to apply.

2. Contacting the relevant authorities:

   ● In Germany: contact the Ausländerbehörde.

   ● In Poland: contact your local Urząd Wojewódzki.

   ● In Spain: contact the immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería).

3. Submitting the application:

   ● Provide a complete package of documents.

   ● Describe your personal situation, clearly justifying the threat to your safety and the impossibility of returning to Ukraine.

4. Features and restrictions:

   ● You must prove that you cannot stay in Lithuania due to the lack of humanitarian status.

   ● Some countries may require additional confirmation, including a certificate of refusal from Lithuania to grant a humanitarian residence permit.

4. Alternative options for legalization

If obtaining a humanitarian residence permit is difficult, consider alternatives:

1. Temporary protection programs for Ukrainians:

   ● Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, Spain and other countries still provide temporary protection to Ukrainians.

2. Legalization through family reunification:

   ● If your wife and children are protected in Lithuania, try to apply for family reunification in another country.

3. Employee residence permit:

   ● If you have a contract with an employer in the EU, you can obtain a residence permit, regardless of your previous status.

Recommendations:

● Choose a country where the procedure for obtaining a humanitarian residence permit is the most understandable for you (Germany, Poland or Spain).

● Prepare the most complete package of documents, especially evidence of the threat in your region.

● Consider legal support to avoid mistakes in the application process.

● If possible, obtain an official refusal from the Lithuanian authorities to grant a residence permit as an additional argument for another country.

Your circumstances meet the criteria for a humanitarian residence permit in many EU countries. The main thing is to justify your need for protection and prepare all the necessary documents. We wish you success and safety!

How to sign up for a legal consultation with a Visit Ukraine lawyer?

Visit Ukraine experts provide professional advice to Ukrainians on any migration issues. Our team includes specialized specialists who help with the following issues:

● obtaining refugee status and temporary protection

● obtaining visas and residence permits

● family reunification

● employment abroad;

● appealing against refusals to grant status, etc.

To get a professional consultation, choose the profile of the specialist you need (migration issues, visas, work and study abroad, business), the country (regarding which you need advice) and the format of cooperation convenient for you:

● written consultation

● oral consultation online;

● full legal support.

To make an appointment for a consultation:

1. Fill out the form with your details (name, e-mail, contact phone number)

2. Choose the date of the consultation convenient for you

3. Read the terms of the agreement and make a payment

Not sure which consultation format to choose? Contact our managers via Telegram or WhatsApp - they will help you choose the best option for your situation.

Remember: every situation has a solution! Entrust your business to Visit Ukraine professionals - we know how to protect your rights and find the best way to stay in the EU legally.

We remind you! In the previous article, Visit Ukraine lawyers have already explained how to move to Germany in 2025 with temporary protection status in another country. Follow the link to find answers to all your questions.

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